British Lord Fears GA Terror Attack

Lord Carlile of Berriew QC, the British government´s anti-terror advisor, says police in that country are worried that light aircraft will be used as "vehicle bombs against places of public aggregation," adding in his annual report that pulling off that kind of terror attack would "relatively simple." Naturally, the report has prompted pressure on Home Secretary Jacqui Smith by opposition politicians to ensure "that security measures at small airports are as tough as those for larger airfields." The Home Office has replied that while it is mindful of that kind of threat, it also has heard of no intelligence that suggests terrorists are plotting any light aircraft attacks.

Britain deals with the potential threat from GA the way most aviation countries do, with security awareness campaigns at GA airports and the preparation of educational material for such programs. However, a Home Office spokeswoman also said various departments of the government keep an eye on the potential for trouble. "Aviation security measures must be proportionate to the threat and we keep our security measures under constant review," the unidentified spokeswoman said. "We are constantly vigilant to the potential threat and work with the police and security agencies to prepare advice to all airfields that host small aircraft operations and flying schools." There are about 8,500 private aircraft and 500 identified "landing sites" ranging from major airports to farmers´ fields.